If your plunger isn’t getting the job done, it might be the time to use a drain snake (plumbing snake) to unclog a toilet. It’s one of the best methods to break up and remove the severe clogs in the pipes. Before you call your plumber, try using this tool to unclog a toilet.
What Is a Plumbing Snake?
A plumbing toilet snake is like a long wire coil having a corkscrew-like tip that enables it to flex and infiltrate the tricky curves of the toilet’s lower plumbing, which is hard for other tools to reach. This tool easily gets around the first bend while keeping the debris at arm’s length and spinning the coil to snag unwanted items such as toys, crayons, etc. Snaking a toilet yourself is easy, but ensure you know how to dispose of the removed material while protecting your pipes.
How to Use the Snake?
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Take out the snake and put its lower metal end into the toilet bowl. Slowly feed the snake into the mouth of the drain until it encounters a clog. The snake’s curved hook will break up and snag the accumulated debris from the pipes.
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Ensure the snake’s plastic coating is undamaged so that it doesn’t harm the porcelain.
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Now, once the snake is in position, rotate the handle clockwise to extend the snake towards the clog. If it doesn’t turn, pull back the snake and try turning it counterclockwise.
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If you observe the drain snake slowing down or stopping, it might have encountered the clog. Now, continue turning the handle in an anticlockwise direction until it clears the clog.
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Once you have located the clog, rotate the handle counterclockwise to withdraw the snake and examine what it has collected. Repeat the process until it breaks down the clog so you can flush the toilet. If the clog is severe, consider contacting the professional plumbers in San Jose to inspect the severity of the issue and fix it.
Prepare the Area and Dispose of the Clog:
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Cover the floor around the toilet by laying down some towels or plastic sheets to protect the floor. Since the snake works on the clog, it might be possible the water may splash out of the toilet bowl.
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Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from infection or illness. After completing the work, throw away the hand gloves and wash your hands for at least a minute with the antibacterial soap and warm water.
- Position a large bucket nearby for disposing of the clogged material. A plastic grocery bag is a perfect means of disposal.
Prevent Future Clogs:
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Think before you flush anything down the toilet. Never flush materials such as paper towels, tampons, makeup pads, condoms, cardboards, hair, or other things down the toilet. They can cause severe blockages in the pipe.
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Limit the toilet paper usage, as excessive use can cause the pipe to clog. Use the toilet paper as much as you need. Also, consider flushing the toilet twice if you think a single flush won’t manage.
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Taking preventative measures helps you avoid the clog in the pipes. Inspect for the slow draining, trouble flushing, or refilling slowly. If you suspect any of these issues, use the plunger to dislodge the clog before it becomes severe.
Never take your toilets, bathroom, or kitchen sink for granted, as they can adversely disturb your home’s entire plumbing system. Think before you pour anything down the sink. Contact the professionals whenever you notice blockage signs or need assistance with general plumbing, drain cleaning, or water heater repair in San Jose.
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